Hobbit2 - Chapter 18 - The Return Journey

[Estelyn Telcontar]

In this chapter Tolkien uses a narrative technique that he also utilizes later in LotR - the story of a battle is told retrospectively. Since we readers see things from Bilbo's point of view, we find out how the battle went along with him, after he awakes from unconsciousness. Interestingly, it is in this context that we read of one disadvantage of the ring for the first time. It is only in LotR that we find out more about its negative effects.

On his deathbed Thorin finally lets go of the greed that possessed him and realizes that friendship is more important than gold. Is his death a kind of punishment or poetic justice for his former animosity toward our hero? Or is it simply a logical outcome - in war, there is death. I wonder how the Hobbit movie will show this - and whether Thorin's young, dashing nephews will also die, leaving maidens in the audience mourning them?

Even Gandalf is wounded - a wizard is obviously not safer than others in a battle. He also seems to have had no decisive role in the fighting - do you suppose the restrictions given the Istari by the Ainur are the reason for his lack of active involvement? In the end, the Eagles and Beorn turn the tide. How do you see their role? I don't think they can be dismissed as a deus ex machina in this context.

The battle against evil foes appears to have had a cleansing effect on the allied forces. Dain is a better king under the mountain than Thorin was, and the Elvenking is friendlier than before.

It's interesting that Bilbo's journey home, like Frodo's in RotK, is in company of companions for awhile. Not bad for a humble hobbit! Gradually the group dwindles, till at the end of the chapter only Bilbo and Gandalf are travelling together.

Do you wish that Tolkien had written about their adventures on the return journey? Or would that be anticlimactic? Would you like to have read more about Bilbo's stay at Beorn's house?

Previous discussion.